For we are not as the many, corrupting the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, speak we in Christ.
I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.
And herein I give (my) judgment: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to make a beginning a year ago, not only to do, but also to will.
but even as we have been approved of God to be intrusted with the gospel, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God who proveth our hearts.
I thank him that enabled me, (even) Christ Jesus our Lord, for that he counted me faithful, appointing me to (his) service;
though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief;
howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me as chief might Jesus Christ show forth all his longsuffering, for an ensample of them that should thereafter believe on him unto eternal life.